Hailing from Thionville in northeastern France, Palantyr rose from the ashes—not of the region’s legendary blast furnaces, but of the venomous speed metal outfit Destrukt.

The dramatic change of vocalist, with a female singer taking over the microphone, undoubtedly called for a new identity—something less aggressive and far more mystical.

The band’s debut EP, The Ascent & The Hunger, features the three tracks from Destrukt’s final EP alongside three brand-new compositions that offer a glimpse into Palantyr’s future direction.

And what a future it promises to be. The anthemic Shan-E-Sorkh already showcases the band’s ability to unite a crowd, while Son of the White Mare displays a level of inspiration worthy of the young Iron Maiden. Fast, melodic, and steeped in epic atmosphere, Palantyr is a name every traditional metal fan should keep an eye on.